Sisupalgarh, Archaeological site near Bhubaneswar, India
Sisupalgarh is an ancient fortified settlement near Bhubaneswar with thick walls and lateral pillars that still stand today. The site spreads across a large area and holds ruins of buildings, including what may have been a royal palace with multiple structures and chambers.
The settlement thrived from the 3rd century BC to the 4th century AD as a major center and once served as the capital of ancient Kalinga. It gained prominence under Emperor Ashoka, who documented it in his records.
The site reveals how religious beliefs shifted and coexisted over time through the structures and objects left behind. People here practiced different faiths, and visitors can observe this layering of spiritual traditions in the remaining fragments.
The visit lets you explore the northern gateway and stone structures that have been partially cleared. The site sits on flat ground, so the terrain is easy to walk through, with plenty of room to move around.
The place was once comparable in size to Athens during its time, housing tens of thousands of residents within its walls. This scale reveals it was one of the major urban centers of its era.
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